Adam's Apples

Many thanks to Eric Curry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for today's photo of an apple. Did you recognize it? Since the zoom on Eric's camera—an electron microscope—is more powerful than mine, we are actually looking at platelets of the natural wax that comprise the cuticle, the outer part of the peel.

Most apples sold in stores are waxed for appearance, and also to protect and preserve the fruit. Like many fruits and vegetables, apples produce their own waxy coating that sheds water and retains moisture. The commercial washing that most apples undergo after harvesting is extensive enough to clean this coating away. The non-apple wax added after that serves the same purpose.